Pipe Support System, and Method of Use

ABSTRACT

A pipe support system. The pipe support system comprises a first wedge block and a second opposing wedge block. Each of the blocks comprises a base having walls, and forming an angled top surface. The angled top surfaces face one another and are configured to support a joint or section of pipe along an outer diameter of the pipe. Beneficially, the distance or spacing between the wedge blocks may be adjusted by an operator to accommodate sections of pipe having different diameters. A method for supporting a section of pipe is also provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 62/695,975 filed Jul. 10, 2018. That application is entitled “Pipe Support System and Method of Use.” This application is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

The application also claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 62/780,977 filed Dec. 18, 2018. That application is also entitled “Pipe Support System and Method of Use.” This application is also incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This section is intended to introduce various aspects of the art, which may be associated with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. This discussion is believed to assist in providing a framework to facilitate a better understanding of particular aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that this section should be read in this light, and not necessarily as admissions of prior art.

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to pipe support structures for holding joints of pipe or sections of pipeline above a ground surface. More specifically, the invention relates to a pipe support system that is adjustable so as to accommodate pipe joints having varied outer diameters.

Technology in the Field of the Invention

Pipeline transport involves the transportation of fluids. Such fluids may include brine, potable water or sewage. Such fluids may also include liquid hydrocarbons, hydrocarbons in gaseous state, refined hydrocarbons, or components separated from produced hydrocarbons such as sulfuric components and carbon dioxide.

Pipelines are made up of a series of pipe joints connected end to end. In many cases, pipelines are installed above ground. Such elevated pipelines are frequently supported by a series of stanchions (also known as pipe support stands) that are spaced apart along a length of the pipeline. These stanchions rise from the ground to support the pipeline a predetermined distance above the ground.

During use, the pipe joints along a pipeline will experience fluctuations in temperature. This is due to a combination of changes in ambient outdoor temperature and changes in the temperature of the fluids being transported. Temperature fluctuations will inevitably cause portions of the pipeline to expand and contract. Some temperature fluctuations will occur abruptly, for example, over a matter of hours. This may occur due to short term changes in weather or due to the 24-hour solar cycle. Other changes may occur over longer periods of time, for example, due to changes in season or changes in fluid composition.

As a practical matter, the temperature fluctuations experienced along a pipeline are non-uniform across the length of the pipeline. This leads to a situation where some portions of the pipeline will expand or contract axially to a greater degree than other portions. This, in turn, causes frictional wear as the pipeline rubs against the pipe support structure.

Pipeline stanchions may incorporate bearing surfaces that permit the overlying pipeline to slide relative to the stanchion. Beneficially, this can reduce the occurrence of bending, buckling, and jumping caused by an expanding or contracting pipe. For example, a pair of aluminum or polished stainless steel plates may be welded to the bottom of a pipe shoe and the top of a pipe stanchion, to face one another during use and to permit 360 degrees of relative movement as well as axial movement between the stanchion and pipeline. In other examples, one of the plates may be replaced with a or ceramic or a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) plate.

In any instance, it is necessary to monitor the condition of pipe support structures to ensure that the bearing surfaces are in good condition. Unfortunately, replacing bearing plates is time consuming and expensive. Further, each pipeline will require unique bearing plates, depending on pipe size. In this respect, one of the problems commonly associated with pipe support structures is that each set of supports is typically made for a specifically sized pipe, thereby limiting use.

Therefore, a need exists for an improved pipe support system for holding a pipe above a ground surface, wherein the bearing plate can be easily installed, and then later be easily removed and replaced. A need further exists for a pipe support system that may be adjusted so as to accommodate pipe joints or sections of a pipeline having varied outer diameters. Still further, a need exists for a pipe support structure that allows for longitudinal movement of the pipe once it is set onto the pipe support structure, but at low cost. Finally, a need exists for bearing plates that are configured to gravitationally wick away water.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A pipe support system is first provided herein. In one aspect, the pipe support system comprises a first wedge block and a second wedge block. Each of the first and second wedge blocks comprises a base. Each base has an inside wall and an outside wall, wherein the outside wall is taller than the inside wall.

Each of the first and second wedge blocks also has an angled top surface. The angled top surface extends from the outside wall to the inside wall. The angled top surfaces face each other and are configured to support a joint or section of pipe along an outer diameter of the pipe. Preferably, the top surface of each of the first and second wedge blocks is at an angle of between 20° and 40°. More preferably, the angle of each top surface is about 30°, creating a tangent line at the pipe surface.

Each of the first and second wedge blocks also includes at least one through-opening. The through-openings extend through each of the inside wall and the outside wall, with the respective through-openings being aligned.

In addition, the pipe support system includes at least one threaded bar. Each threaded bar is configured to extend through the aligned through-openings in each of the first wedge block and the second wedge block. The pipe support system is configured such that a rotation of the threaded bar in a first direction will draw the first and second wedge blocks inward towards each other, while rotation of the threaded bar in a second opposite direction will allow the first and second wedge blocks to be moved outward from each other.

Preferably, the at least one threaded bar comprises two threaded bars placed in parallel relation. In this instance, the aligned through-openings along the inside and outside walls of each of the first and second wedge blocks comprise:

-   -   first aligned through-openings disposed proximate the first end         of the respective wedge blocks, and     -   second aligned through-openings disposed proximate the second         end of the respective wedge blocks.

In one embodiment, the pipe support system further comprises:

-   -   a first nut threadedly secured onto an end of a first of the         threaded bars; and     -   a second nut threadedly secured over an opposite end of a second         of the threaded bars.

In this instance, each of the first nut and the second nut abuts an outer surface of the outside wall of a respective wedge block. “Rotating” the threaded bars may comprise relative rotation between the threaded bars and their respective nuts.

In one aspect, the pipe support system further comprises a planar cap. Specifically, a planar cap resides on the angled top surface of each of the first and second wedge blocks. In this instance, each of the planar caps comprises corrugations dimensioned to gravitationally wick away water. This prevents water from building up along the outer diameter of the pipe, causing corrosion. Preferably, the corrugations on each corrugated cap are oriented transverse to the major axis of the planar cap.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the corrugated caps comprises:

-   -   a first side configured to land on a top of an outside wall;     -   a shoulder along the first side configured to wrap over the top         of the outside wall;     -   a second side configured to land on a top of an inside wall; and     -   a shoulder along the second side configured to wrap over the top         of the inside wall.

In one aspect, the corrugated caps are the angled top surfaces of the wedge blocks. In another aspect, the corrugated caps fit onto the base over the angled top surfaces.

An outer surface of the inside wall may comprise a notch. Reciprocally, the shoulder along the second side of the corrugated cap comprises a lip that is dimensioned to snap-lock into the notch. This permits the corrugated caps to be quickly snap-locked into place. This also permits removal and replacement of the corrugated caps after a period of wear.

The pipe support system may further include a base plate. The base plate has opposing parallel sides, or edges. In this embodiment, the polygonal base of each of the first and second wedge blocks may comprise a first end and an opposing second end. The first and the second opposing ends are configured to straddle the opposing parallel edges of the base plate. In this way, the wedge blocks are laterally secured or stabilized as the first and second wedge blocks are moved inwardly and outwardly in response to rotation of the threaded bars. More importantly, the wedge blocks are stabilized during periods of thermal expansion/contraction of the supported pipe.

A method of supporting a section of pipe is also provided herein. In one embodiment, the method first comprises providing a pipe support system. The pipe support system may be in accordance with the pipe support system described above in its various embodiments. For example, the pipe support system may include:

-   -   a first wedge block and a second wedge block, wherein each of         the first and second wedge blocks comprises a base and an angled         top surface,     -   at least one through-opening through each of the first and         second wedge blocks, wherein the respective through-openings are         aligned, and     -   at least one threaded bar configured to extend through aligned         through-openings in each of the first wedge block and the second         wedge block.

The method also includes determining a spacing between the first wedge block and the second wedge block in order to support a joint or section of pipe having a determined outer diameter. The method then includes rotating each of the threaded bars in order to provide for the determined spacing.

In a preferred arrangement, each of the threaded bars may be rotated in a first direction to draw the first and second wedge blocks inward towards each other. To accomplish this, a nut may be used at an end of each threaded bar, with the nut abutting the outside wall of a wedge block. Reciprocally, each of the threaded bars may be rotated in a second opposite direction to allow the first and second wedge blocks to be moved outward from each other. To accomplish this, a nut may optionally be used at an end of each threaded bar, with the nut abutting the inside wall of a wedge block.

The method further comprises placing the joint or section of pipe onto the pipe support system. In this way the pipe is supported above a ground surface.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the present inventions can be better understood, certain illustrations, charts and/or flow charts are appended hereto. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only selected embodiments of the inventions and are therefore not to be considered limiting of scope, for the inventions may admit to other equally effective embodiments and applications.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the pipe support system of the present invention, in one embodiment.

FIG. 1B is another perspective view of the pipe support system. Here, parts of the pipe support system are shown in exploded-apart relation.

FIG. 2 is an end view of the pipe support system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3A is a front view of a wedge block as may be used in connection with the pipe support system of FIGS. 1A and 1B. In this view, a corrugated cap is not employed on the wedge block.

FIG. 3B is another front view of one of the two wedge blocks of FIGS. 1A and 1B. Here, a corrugated cap is placed on the wedge block, facilitating the movement of water or moisture away from a pipe.

FIG. 4A is an end view of the wedge block of FIG. 3B, in one embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the wedge block of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is an enlarged view of portion “C” of FIG. 4B, show an interlocking relation between the corrugated cap and an upper inside surface of the wedge block.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the corrugated cap of FIGS. 1B and 3B, in one embodiment.

FIG. 5B is an end view of the corrugated cap of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a top view of the corrugated cap of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a first wedge block and corrugated cap of FIGS. 1A and 1B, seen from a front angle.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a second wedge block and corrugated cap of FIGS. 1A and 1B, seen from a rear angle.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a spacer as may be used with the pipe support system of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a pipe as may be supported by the pipe support system of FIGS. 1A and 1B. Illustrative tangent lines are provided, intended to represent possible configurations of angled caps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The novel features characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the pipe support system 100 of the present invention, in one embodiment. FIG. 1B is another perspective view of the pipe support system 100. Here, parts of the pipe support system 100 are shown in exploded-apart relation for illustrative purposes. The pipe support system 100 will be generally described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B together.

The pipe support system 100 first includes a pair of wedge blocks. These are denoted as a first wedge block 110 a and a second wedge block 110 b. Each wedge block 110 has an inside wall 114 and an outside wall 116. In addition, each wedge block 110 has an angled top surface 118. The top surfaces 118 slope inwardly from a top of the outside wall 116 to a top of the inside wall 114.

The wedge blocks 110 a, 110 b also offer end walls 112. Together, the end walls 112, the inside walls 114 and the outside walls 116 form a polygonal base for each of the respective wedge blocks 110 a, 110 b.

In the arrangement of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the wedge blocks 110 a, 110 b are hollow bodies. This is beneficial in that less material is required for fabrication. However, it is understood that each base may alternatively be a substantially solid block.

In a preferred arrangement, the wedge blocks 110 a, 110 b are fabricated from a metal such as ductile iron. Alternatively, a cementitious or hardened polycarbonate material may be used. In the event technology so develops, wedge blocks may be formed through an additive manufacturing process.

The wedge blocks 110 a, 110 b each offer aligned through-openings 115. For each wedge block 110, a through-opening 115 is provided in the inside wall 114 and in the outside wall 116. Preferably, each wedge block 110 offers two pairs of aligned through-openings 115. This is true whether the base is hollow or is otherwise solid.

The pipe support system 100 also preferably includes a cap 120. Each cap 120 is designed to snap-fit onto the angled top surface 118 (as discussed in further detail below). Each cap 120 is fabricated from a polycarbonate material, polyurethane or a synthetic thermoplastic linear polyamide (or nylon). Nylon is preferred as it offers a combination of high strength and relatively low friction. One suitable example of a nylon material is Nylatron® GSM, available from Quadrant EPP USA Inc. of Reading, Pa. Nylatron® GSM contains finely divided particles of molybdenum disulphide (MoS₂) to enhance load bearing capabilities while maintaining the impact resistance inherent to nylon. Other Nylatron® products may also be considered. However, it is preferred that whatever plastic or other material is used, it should preferably have UV stabilizers and be non-conductive.

It is noted that the caps 120 each include a plurality of channels 125. The channels 125 are configured to permit water to flow under a pipe and off of the wedge blocks 110. This prevents corrosion of the pipe due to water build-up on the wedge blocks 110, such as may be caused by rain. For this reason, the caps 120 may be referred to as corrugated caps.

The channels 125 of the caps 120 may be of any design so long as they facilitate the gravitational wicking away of water. Preferably, the channels 125 are oriented transverse to a longitudinal axis of the angled cap 120.

The pipe support system 100 additionally includes at least one threaded bar 130. In the arrangement of FIGS. 1A and 1B, a pair of threaded bars 130 is employed. Each threaded bar 130 comprises opposing threaded ends 132. In one aspect, each bar 130 is a so-called all-thread.

The threaded ends 132 are configured to receive a nut 135. Each nut 135 may be tightened down against the outside wall 116 of the wedge blocks 110 a, 110 b in order to adjust the spacing. In addition, a second nut 135 may be placed along each threaded bar 130 to abut an inside wall 114. Such a second nut 135 is depicted in the end view of FIG. 2, discussed below.

The operator may rotate the threaded bars 130 (relative to the nuts 135 or, alternatively, relative to threads in the through-openings 115) in a first direction in order to draw the wedge blocks 110 inward, or rotate the threaded bars 130 the opposite direction to move the wedge blocks 110 outward. It is understood here that the term “rotate” includes relative rotation such as rotating the nuts 135 to provide part of the spacing adjustments.

FIG. 2 is an end view of the pipe support system 100 of FIG. 1A. In this view, a pipe 200 has been set upon the two opposing wedge blocks 110 a, 110 b. The wedge blocks 110 a, 110 b are spaced apart in order to accommodate the outer diameter of the pipe 200. In operation, the closer the blocks 110 get to each other, the higher the pipe 200 rises above the ground surface or above a base plate 140.

It is understood that the present inventions are not limited by the type of pipe employed. The pipe 200 may be part of a pipeline used to convey fluids such as produced water, crude oil, brine, potable water, sewage or hydrocarbon gases. Produced hydrocarbons may be transported from the field into a gathering facility, a treatment facility or a refinery using the pipe 200. Processed fluids may be transported from a treatment facility or a refinery using the pipe 200.

In any instance, the pipe support system 100 may also include an optional base plate 140. In the arrangement of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2, the base plate 140 represents a rectangular plate. Preferably, the plate 140 is fabricated from steel although it could also be a concrete pad or other sturdy foundational material. Optionally, the base plate 140 may be secured to a concrete structure using anchors (not shown).

The plate 140 includes opposing edges 142. The edges 142 are linear and are parallel to one another. The wedge blocks 110 and supported pipe 200 are configured to rest on the base plate 140. Of interest, a recessed area 117 is preserved in the middle of the wedge blocks 110. The recessed areas 117 allow the wedge blocks 110 to straddle the base plate 140. This stabilizes the wedge blocks 110, preventing them from shifting, that is, moving forward or backward, during thermal expansion that takes place within the pipe 200. The result is that the corrugated caps 120 end up serving as wear plates.

To enable the wedge blocks 110 to straddle the base plate 140, the end walls 112 are configured to have feet 111. The feet 111 frictionally reside along the respective edges 142 of the base plate 140.

FIG. 3A is a front view of a wedge block 310A as may be used in connection with the pipe support system 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. The wedge block 310A includes opposing end walls 312A. An inside wall 314 and an outside wall (not visible) make up the base. Through-openings 115 are also shown.

The wedge block 310A of FIG. 3A is intended to represent a solid block of material, subject of course to the aligned through-openings 115 which accommodate the threaded bars 130. The wedge block 310A is also presented without the angled, removable cap 120. Thus, an angled upper surface 318 is shown.

FIG. 3B is another front view of a wedge block 310B. In this instance, the wedge block 310B is in accordance with the two wedge blocks 110 a, 110 b of FIGS. 1A and 1B. In this embodiment, a corrugated cap 120 is placed on the wedge block 310B. Channels 125 along the corrugated cap 120 facilitate the movement of water or moisture away from the pipe 200.

FIG. 4A is an end view of the wedge block 310B of FIG. 3B, in one embodiment. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the wedge block 310B of FIG. 3B. From these figures it is observed that the corrugated cap 120 has a lower end 124 and an upper end 126. The lower end 124 wraps around the top of the inside wall 114 while the upper end 126 wraps around the top of the outside wall 116.

FIG. 4C is an enlarged view of portion “C” of FIG. 4B. This shows an interlocking relation between the corrugated cap 120 and the walls 114, 116 of the wedge block 310B. The lower end 124 of the corrugated cap 120 includes an inwardly facing lip 113. The lip 113 is dimensioned to releasably lock into a notch 313 placed along the front 114 of the wedge block 310B. The configuration of the lower 124 and upper 126 ends along with the notch 313 allow the corrugated cap 120 to snap-lock into place on the walls 114, 116.

It is noted that over time the corrugated cap 120 and its channels 125 will experience wear. This is due to a combination of weathering and friction. The friction comes from movement of the pipe 200 due to thermal expansion and contraction. In the event a corrugated cap 120 needs to be replaced, it can simply be snapped or pried off of the walls 114, 116. If necessary, the cap 120 can just be sacrificed through use of a hammer, and readily replaced at low cost.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a corrugated cap 520 as may be used in the pipe support system of FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 5B is an end view of the corrugated cap 520 of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5C is a top view of the corrugated cap 520 of FIG. 5A. In FIGS. 5A through 5C, a plurality of parallel channels 525 are seen.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a first wedge block 110A and corrugated cap 120A of FIGS. 1A and 1B, seen from a front angle. FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a second wedge block 110 b and corrugated cap 120 b of FIGS. 1A and 1B, seen from a rear angle. The first 110A and second 110 b wedge blocks are designed to face each other in order to receive the pipe 200.

As an additional and optional feature of the pipe support system 100, a spacer may be provided. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a spacer 700 as may optionally be used with the pipe support system 100 of the present invention. The spacer 700 is a short section of pipe or other tubular body.

The spacer 700 is dimensioned to reside along a threaded bar 130 intermediate the two wedge blocks 110 a, 110 b. In this respect, the cylindrical opening (or inner diameter) 705 that extends through the spacer 700 is dimensioned to receive the threaded bar 130. The spacer 700 allows for the user to precisely set the distance between the wedge blocks 110 a, 110 b, thereby making the support structure 100 appropriately sized for different sized pipes.

In one aspect, the angle of the corrugated caps 120 is between 20° and 40°. More preferably, the angle of the caps is at 30°. A mathematical table may be provided to the user, correlating the size of the pipe 200 to the desired spacer 700 length in order to optimize the position of the pipe 200 on the corrugated caps 120, correlated to the angle of the caps 120.

Ideally, the point at which the pipe 200 touches the corrugated caps 110 is a tangent line, meaning that the angle of the tangent line and the angle of the corrugated caps 110 is within a few degrees of each other. The mathematical table will inform the user of the needed spacer length to achieve the tangent line. Of course, if the corrugated caps 120 are designed to have a different angle, then the spacer lengths on the mathematical table will need to be tweaked.

FIG. 8 is a presentation of a pipe 200 having a radius “R.” Two radii lines “R” are indicated. In addition, a pair of tangent lines 820 is shown. The tangent lines 820 correspond to locations and angles of the corrugated caps 120, in one embodiment. An angle ß is provided to show a separation of the two radii “R” lines.

An additional line “B” is provided. Line B is a vertical line which bisects angle ß. Further, a horizontal line 700L is provided, connecting tangent lines 820 and also bisected by line B. Mathematically, line 700L depicts a length of spacer 700. Thus, for a pipe 200 having radius “R”, the operator would select a spacer 700 having length 700L.

FIG. 8 also depicts line G-G, in dashed form. Line G-G is an imaginary horizontal line drawn at the point where the two tangent lines 820 would, in theory, intersect if the corrugated caps 120 were of sufficient length. The angles γ formed between lines 820 and line G-G are each ½ of angle ß.

Using the pipe support system 100 described above, a method of supporting a section of pipe is also provided herein. In one embodiment, the method first comprises providing a pipe support system. The pipe support system may be in accordance with the pipe support system 100 described above in its various embodiments. For example, the pipe support system may include:

-   -   a first wedge block and a second wedge block, wherein each of         the first and second wedge blocks comprises a base and an angled         top surface, with the angled top surfaces facing one another     -   at least one through-opening through each of the first and         second wedge blocks, wherein the respective through-openings are         aligned, and     -   at least one threaded bar configured to extend through aligned         through-openings in each of the first wedge block and the second         wedge block.

The method also includes determining a spacing between the first wedge block and the second wedge block in order to support a joint or section of pipe having an outer diameter. The method then includes rotating each of the threaded bars in order to provide for the determined spacing. It is understood that for purposes of the claims, the term “rotating each of the threaded bars” includes relative rotation, such as rotating a nut secured to a threaded bar.

In a preferred arrangement, each of the threaded bars may be rotated in a first direction to draw the first and second wedge blocks inward towards each other. Reciprocally, each of the threaded bars may be rotated in a second opposite direction to allow the first and second wedge blocks to be moved outward from each other.

The method further comprises placing the joint or section of pipe onto the pipe support system. In this way the pipe is supported above a ground surface.

In one embodiment, the method also includes securing a separate bearing plate onto each of the wedge blocks. The bearing plate is a planar cap residing on the angled top surface of each of the first and second wedge blocks. Each of the planar caps comprises corrugations or channels dimensioned to gravitationally wick away water to prevent water from building up along the outer diameter of the pipe.

Each of the corrugated caps comprises:

-   -   a first side configured to land on a top of an outside wall of a         base;     -   a shoulder along the first side configured to wrap over the top         of the outside wall;     -   a second side configured to land on a top of an inside wall of         the base; and     -   a shoulder along the second side configured to wrap over the top         of the inside wall.

An outer surface of the inside wall comprises a notch. At the same time, the shoulder along the second side comprises a lip that is dimensioned to snap-lock into the notch. Securing the bearing plate comprises snapping the bearing plate onto the base that forms the respective wedge block.

The method may further comprise replacing each of the corrugated caps after a period of wear. Replacing may mean unsnapping the bearing plate off of the base before snap-locking a new bearing plate onto the base. Alternatively, replacing may mean breaking the bearing plate, such as through hammering before snap-locking a new bearing plate onto the base. Thus, the corrugated cap is a sacrificial element as a result of use.

Finally, a method of replacing a bearing plate for a pipe support structure is provided herein. In one aspect, the method first comprises providing a pipe support system. The pipe support system is structure in accordance with the pipe support system 100 described above in its various embodiments. This includes a first wedge block and a second wedge block, wherein each of the first and second wedge blocks comprises a base.

The method also includes installing a bearing plate onto each of the first and second wedge blocks. This is done through a snap-lock fit. Each of the bearing plates comprises corrugations dimensioned to gravitationally wick away water to prevent water from building up along the outer diameter of pipe. In addition, each of the bearing plates resides at an angle of between 20° and 40° over the respective wedge blocks, wherein the angles are inwardly-facing.

Additionally, the method comprises determining a spacing between the first wedge block and the second wedge block. This is done in order to support a joint or section of pipe having an outer diameter. The method then includes placing the joint or section of pipe onto the pipe support system, thereby supporting the pipe above a ground surface.

After a period of time the bearing plates will experience wear. The method then includes removing the bearing plates from the respective wedge blocks. Then, again using a snap-lock fit, the method includes installing a replacement bearing plate onto each of the first and second wedge blocks. Each of the replacement bearing plates also comprises corrugations dimensioned to gravitationally wick away water to prevent water from building up along the outer diameter of pipe. In addition, each of the replacement bearing plates also resides at an angle of between 20° and 40° over the respective wedge blocks.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application.

In the claims which follow, the word “comprising” is used in its inclusive sense and does not exclude other elements being present. The indefinite articles “a” and “an” before a claim feature do not exclude more than one of the feature being present. Each one of the individual features described here may be used in one or more embodiments and is not, by virtue only of being described here, to be construed as essential to all embodiments as defined by the claims. 

1. (canceled)
 2. (canceled)
 3. (canceled)
 4. (canceled)
 5. (canceled)
 6. (canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled)
 11. (canceled)
 12. (canceled)
 13. (canceled)
 14. (canceled)
 15. (canceled)
 16. (canceled)
 17. (canceled)
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. (canceled)
 21. (canceled)
 22. (canceled)
 23. (canceled)
 24. (canceled)
 25. (canceled)
 26. (canceled)
 27. (canceled)
 28. A method of replacing bearing plates for a pipe support structure, comprising: providing a pipe support system comprising a first wedge block and a second wedge block, wherein each of the first and second wedge blocks comprises a base; using a snap-lock fit, installing a bearing plate onto each of the first and second wedge blocks, wherein each of the bearing plates comprises corrugations dimensioned to gravitationally wick away water to prevent moisture from building up along the outer diameter of a pipe, and wherein each of the bearing plates resides at an angle of between 20° and 40° relative to horizontal over the respective wedge blocks; determining a spacing between the first wedge block and the second wedge block in order to support a joint or section of pipe having an outer diameter; placing the joint or section of pipe onto the bearing plates, thereby supporting the joint or section of pipe above a ground surface; after a period of time, removing the bearing plates from the respective wedge blocks; and using a snap-lock fit, installing a replacement bearing plate onto each of the first and second wedge blocks, wherein each of the replacement bearing plates also comprises corrugations dimensioned to gravitationally wick away water to prevent moisture from building up along the outer diameter of the pipe, and wherein each of the replacement bearing plates also resides at an angle of between 20° and 40° relative to horizontal over the respective wedge blocks.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein: each of the wedge blocks comprises an inside wall and an outside wall, together configured to support a respective bearing plate; the outside wall of each of the first and second wedge blocks is taller than the inside wall, forming the angle; an outer surface of each of the inside walls comprises a notch; each of the corrugated bearing plates comprises: a first side configured to land on a top of an outside wall; a shoulder along the first side configured to wrap over the top of the outside wall; a second side configured to land on a top of an inside wall; and a shoulder along the second side configured to wrap over the top of the inside wall; and the shoulder along the second side of each bearing plate comprises a lip that is dimensioned to snap-lock into the notch.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein: the pipe support further comprises: a pair of through-openings through each of the first and second wedge blocks, wherein the respective through-openings are aligned, two threaded bars configured to extend through the aligned through-openings in each of the first wedge block and the second wedge block; and the method further comprises rotating each of the threaded bars in order to provide for the determined spacing between the first and second wedge blocks.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the angle of each of the corrugated bearing plates is designed to form a tangent line with the pipe after the spacing between the first wedge block and the second wedge block is determined and upon receiving the pipe.
 32. The method of claim 30, wherein the pipe support further comprises a tubular spacer bar residing around each of the threaded bars, with each tubular spacer being configured to hold the first wedge block and the second wedge block a predetermined distance apart.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein rotating each of the threaded bars comprises rotating the threaded bars in order to draw the first wedge block and the second wedge block inward towards each other until the first and second wedge blocks engage opposing ends of the tubular spacer bars.
 34. The method of claim 33, wherein: the angled top surface of each of the first and second wedge blocks comprises a substantially planar cap the base of each of the first and second wedge blocks is a polygonal base; each of the first and second wedge blocks comprises opposing end walls that serve as feet for the wedge blocks; and the channels on each corrugated cap are oriented transverse to the major axis of the planar cap.
 35. The method of claim 33, wherein: the pipe support system further comprises a base plate; the base plate has opposing parallel edges; and the method further comprises placing the first and second wedge blocks onto the base such that the first and second opposing ends of each of the wedge blocks straddles the opposing parallel edges of the base plate, thereby laterally securing the first and second wedge blocks as they are moved inwardly and outwardly in response to rotation of the threaded bars.
 36. The method of claim 33, wherein the pipe support further comprises: a first nut threadedly secured onto an end of a first of the threaded bars; and a second nut threadedly secured over an end of a second of the threaded bars; and wherein each of the first nut and the second nut abuts an outer surface of the outside wall of a respective wedge block.
 37. The method of claim 36, wherein rotating each of the threaded bars comprises rotating the first and second nuts.
 38. The method of claim 33, wherein each of the corrugated caps is fabricated from a non-conductive material. 